English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Cross swords
Meaning
The idiom "cross swords" means to engage in a disagreement, argument, or conflict. It is often used to describe a situation where two or more people or groups are opposing each other and cannot reach an agreement. This idiom can also be used to describe a physical fight between two people.
Usage
- The two politicians crossed swords over the proposed budget bill, with each side claiming victory at the end of the debate.
- After months of arguing over the project proposal, the team finally crossed swords and decided to start over from scratch.
- The argument between my siblings has been ongoing for years, and they seem to cross swords every time they talk about their differences.
- When I presented my ideas to the group, some of them were immediately defensive and we ended up crossing swords over the topic.
- The two sports teams have a long-standing rivalry and always seem to cross swords whenever they play against each other.
Roots and History
The earliest known use of this idiom dates back to the Middle Ages, where knights would often engage in swordplay or duels with their opponents. The term "cross swords" refers to the act of pressing two swords together, creating a cross-shaped formation. This was seen as a symbol of defiance and opposition. Over time, the idiom has evolved to refer to any situation where two or more people or groups are in conflict.
Synonyms in English
- Tangled up - to be involved in a complicated or confusing situation
- At odds - to be in disagreement with someone or something
- On opposite sides - to have differing opinions or viewpoints
- Butting heads - to clash with someone or something over a disagreement
- Cross paths - to meet someone or something unexpectedly while pursuing different goals
Synonyms in other languages
- French: "croiser les sabres" (to cross swords)
- Spanish: "encontrar los cielos encogidos" (to find crossed paths)
- German: "kreuzen" (to cross)
- Italian: "incontrarsi" (to meet)
- Japanese: "頓き合う" (to clash)